Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Trump's Joint Address at Congress

President Donald J. Trump has just finished giving his first speech to a joint session of Congress which is mostly controlled by his party the Republicans. The speech was surprisingly very good and presented President Trump as presidential and open to unity and cooperation. Many political pundits on CNN and other media outlets expected Trump to be brash and aloof. However, he disappointed them. Trump was calm and never got into a "back and forth" with the audience as in the case with news conferences and other events. Democrats booed him at times and made disruptive noises, but Trump kept calm and continued on with his speech. Trump's speech was long-winded, but did not top Clinton who gave the longest speech in post-modern history.

The president began by acknowledging the recent threats and attacks against Jewish people in the United States. He condemned the acts and moved on towards his actions at the onset of his presidency. The rest of the speech touched upon his vision of America, the construction of the wall in the southern border, and a call to united and cooperation which was directed at the Democrats. Trump mentioned God several times and even cited the Bible when referencing Ryan Owens, a Navy seal killed in Yemen. His widow was present and received a long standing ovation. She cried and looked upwards in a gesture of communication to her loved one in heaven. During the joint session, women dressed in white were visible. These were Democrats who dressed in white in acknowledgment of the Women's Suffrage movement. The clothing was meant to be an affront to what they perceive as Trump's "anti-women" policies, namely, his pro-life views. Interestingly enough, these women did not applaud not stand when Trump mentioned his executive order which would help women in the workforce. It seems that these women only see abortion as a woman's issue and ignore everything else pertaining to women. Trump reiterated his call to following immigration laws and stated that the "bad ones" are being removed as he spoke. He called out those who are against his call to law and order by asking them what they would say to American families who suffer due to illegal immigrants taking away what is entitled to them as citizens. The president also had an African American student who failed the third grade and had to repeat it. She was helped by being given the opportunity to go to a better school and is now going towards her master's degree. He advocated for choice in regards to education.

Trump also stated that he is there to represent America and not the globe and made jabs against Obama who compromised a lot in his dealings with other nations. President Trump vowed to make America first and focus his work on Americans rather than others. He presented his plan to fix America's broken infrastructure and mentioned the success the Stock Market has been having since his election. Trump stated that he wants to keep businesses in America and will bring about fair trading. He criticized the previous administration for increasing the national debt and wasting money due to poor negotiations. The president called on Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare and gave his case against the health care disaster. Overall, the speech was great and made the president look very presidential.











Here is the full text of the speech:




Full speech: Trump delivers first address 01:01:04



PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP'S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
Remarks as prepared for delivery


TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:
Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.
Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice --- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.
That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.
A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.
A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.
And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.
What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.
Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.
All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.
In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.
It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.
But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?
I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.
For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.
We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.
We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.
And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.
Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds --- families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.
But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.
Finally, the chorus became an earthquake -- and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.
Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.
Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.
Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.
And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.
Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.
It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.
Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.
The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government. We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.
We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials --- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.
We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job‑crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.
We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.
We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.
With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.
To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime.
I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.
We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted.
At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed --- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.
For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.
As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.
To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?
Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.
According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home --- from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.
We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.
It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.
We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.
That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.
As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.
I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.
Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.
Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.
Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.
Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.
More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.
We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.
In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined.
We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.
Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.
And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.
Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party. It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.
But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.
Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.
My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.
We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.
Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.
I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.
At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business? They said that it's good. I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales. They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.
They weren't even asking for change. But I am.
I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.
The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."
Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.
I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.
Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others --- have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.
Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families --- including immigrant families --- enter the middle class.
I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws.
If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.
Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program --- the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.
America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country --- twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.
To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital --- creating millions of new jobs.
This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American.
Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.
Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.
Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone. Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.
One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges --- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.
Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?
We now know that all of those promises have been broken.
Obamacare is collapsing --- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice --- it is a necessity.
So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.
Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:
First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.
Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts --- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.
Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.
Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance -- and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.
Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines --- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.
Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.
Our citizens deserve this, and so much more --- so why not join forces to finally get it done? On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.
My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.
True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.
An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.
Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.
On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.
Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.
But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.
If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.
In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.
But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind --- and the souls --- of every American child.
Education is the civil rights issue of our time.
I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.
Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather. As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice. But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college. Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.
We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.
But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.
The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.
In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone --- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.
This is not acceptable in our society.
Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.
But to create this future, we must work with --- not against --- the men and women of law enforcement.
We must build bridges of cooperation and trust --- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.
Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters -- and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.
We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.
And we must support the victims of crime.
I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE --- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.
Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.
Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.
Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison. Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback. But he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a good friend of mine.
Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis. Their husbands --- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis --- were slain in the line of duty in California. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.
Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna. Jenna: I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.
To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know --- we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.
Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and --- if they must --- to fight and to win.
I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.
My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.
Our veterans have delivered for this Nation --- and now we must deliver for them.
The challenges we face as a Nation are great. But our people are even greater.
And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.
We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero --- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.
I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom --- we will never forget him.
To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.
Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.
We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.
But our partners must meet their financial obligations.
And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.
We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific --- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost.
We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.
Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people --- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.
We must learn from the mistakes of the past --- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.
The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.
America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.
We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.
Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.
On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial. At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.
Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.
Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light.
Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.
Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.
Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.
Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.
American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.
Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.
And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.
When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.
This is our vision. This is our mission.
But we can only get there together.
We are one people, with one destiny.
We all bleed the same blood.
We all salute the same flag.
And we are all made by the same God.
And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.
The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us.
We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.
The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.
And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.
From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears ---
inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past ---
and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.
I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --
Believe in yourselves.
Believe in your future.
And believe, once more, in America.
Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.




Source:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2017/02/28/trump-speech-length/98560186/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fact-checking-president-donald-trumps-address-joint-session/story?id=45801701&cid=social_twitter_abcnp

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/trumps-address-to-congress

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-address-joint-session-congress-live-updates/

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/28/us/politics/trump-address-congress.html?_r=0

http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/03/01/democratic-women-wear-white-donald-trump-speech-sot-ctn.cnn

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/28/politics/donald-trump-speech-transcript-full-text/



Monday, February 27, 2017

When We Rise: ABC LGBT Propaganda

ABC was a network that used to air quality family shows such as "Full House," "Family Matters" and so on. Today, it is a cesspool of progressivism that promotes the LGBT agenda. Now, they are airing a mini-series entitled "When We Rise." The show highlights the rise of the LGBT movement via protests, resistance and political infiltration. The television drama aired tonight and is highly anticpated by LGBT activists.  The program was written by Dustin Lance Black and begins in the period that is post- Stonewall San Francisco.  It highlights the characters "Cleve Jones," "Roma Guy," and "Ken Jones." The real life gay activists are presented in the first episode as youths who are figuring out "who they are."  Cleve reveals he is gay to his father who is a psychologist and tells him it can be cured. He is on his own and resorts to selling himself for sex to older men for money. Roma is a lesbian feminist activist who is part of the "Lavender Menace" movement which sought to be included in mainstream radical feminist activities. Ken Jones is an African American member of the Navy who is discovering himself as a youth by going out to gay bars. Gay bars at the time were illegal. He witnessed police raids which later empower him to join the fight for the LGBT movement.

The show also highlights LGBT activist Harvey Milk and several others. It is set up to tell the story of how the LGBT movement formed and how it led to the legalization of so-called "same-sex marriage" in the United States.  It is propaganda meant to validate the LGBT movement in the eyes of viewers.  The show is great to give a historical perspective of the movement, but is dangerous for impressional minds who are afraid to question chick ideas. "When We Rise" touches a bit on racism among the LGBT, but fails to highlight the other problems in the LGBT community.  It has some Hollywood big name actors such as Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnel, Michael DeLorenzo and others.

I will update this post as the series continues.

UPDATE:  3/3/17
The series is at its end. It was a fast forward of the events surrounding the LGTB movement. The series ended with the legalization of so-callled "same-sex marriage" in 2015. The characters of the show are presented as victorious despite having HIV. Religion is presented during several scenes as if the success of the LGBT agenda is celebrated by God.  Cleve Jones is seen clutching a wooden cross in his hand while being interviewed.  There were some jabs made against the Catholic Church.  A nun is seen looking like a bigot when catching two boys kissing at a Catholic school. One of the gay characters even insinuates that the pope had HIV unleashed in gay communities in order to eradicate them.  Even the idea of "large Catholic families" is mocked on the show.  Overall, I enjoyed the historical aspect of the show. It does show (not entirely accurately) the history of the LGBT movement. Despite disagreeing with the LGBT agenda, I do appreciate learning history or the history of any group.  They did leave out the events at the Stonewall Inn in New York City which were instrumental as well in the LGBT struggle.  Other than that, the show was clearly made to both educate and promote the LGBT agenda as some sort of a Civil Rights Movement.  According to reports, the show was a failure.  It has poor ratings.

The show demonstrates the contradictions found in the LGBT community.  In one scene, Cleve is not welcomed in a feminist lesbian club.  In another scene, Cleve and a group of gays harass straight guys and say they own the neighborhood now.  Ironically, in the show, gays call themselves a "gentle" movement. However, I was faced with some nasty messages after tweeting on the hashtag #WhenWeRise.



























































Source:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/26/arts/television/review-when-we-rise-review-gay-rights.html?_r=0

http://www.avclub.com/review/sprawling-when-we-rise-leaves-no-lgbt-milestone-un-251160

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5292622/

http://www.catholicleague.org/abcs-when-we-rise-mocks-catholics/

http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/friday-final-ratings-march-3-2017/

http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2017/03/07/when_we_rise_s_ratings_failure_says_little_about_the_state_of_queer_tv.html

http://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/matt-philbin/2017/03/06/does-when-we-rises-failure-signal-end-cultures-long-gay-moment

Sunday, February 26, 2017

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Serve God & Do not Worry!

Today's readings remind us to trust God and not worry in life.

The first reading shows us the relationship between God and His people.  This relationship is like a mother and her infant. This relationship is the most powerful one in nature.  Not even the relationship between a couple or siblings is as strong as that between a mother a child.  This is why Satan attacks this relationship via abortion by making the child an enemy of the mother.  God loves His people like a mother (Hosea 11:3-4, Hosea 13:8, Deuteronomy 32:11-12;18, Isaiah 66:13, Psalm 131:2, Psalm 123:2-3).  This does not mean He is female. Scripture uses metaphorical language at times.  There is no basis to call God a "woman" on these verses.  Nevertheless, we can describe the relationship in human terms to get a better grasp.  God alone is the one we should seek (1 Chronicles 16:11). In Him, we find our rest. The responsorial Psalm tells us this.

In his book, "Confessions," the great Saint Augustine of Hippo tells us, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”  His words speak the truth!  We are all restless until we rest in God.  Even atheists are not immune to this.  I have brought this quote up to many atheists that I come into contact with. Atheists seem fixated on God and religion.  If they do not believe in God or religion, why discuss it so much?  This is because their hearts and minds are crying out to God.  They are restless and will not find rest until they find God's heart and reside in it. The Psalm tells us today that only in God is our soul at rest.  He is our rock and our salvation.  How true are these words?!  God is our source of fortitude and peace. The world, at many times, does not make sense to us. However, the closer we get to God, the more sense things make in life. This is why we read the stories of the saints and learn how they are able to withstand everything for the sake of God.  This is because they got so close to God that they were at rest. The world could not affect them nor break them. They were whole now.  This is our goal. We must "Trust in Him at all times," as the Psalm says. The second reading reminds us that we are servants of Christ.  We belong to Him, no one else.  Because of this, we must act like Christ.  We must not bear false witness nor judge others. What is hidden in us will be brought to the light.  Our secrets, our hypocrisy will be exposed to all, so it is best to live a legitimate Christian life and not have more faces that Mount Rushmore!

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus says that we cannot serve two masters. We either serve God or serve money.  The world we live in is so fixated on making a profit.  Everything is about money.  In a world full of terrorism and other evils, I notice how better-protected money is then people. In banks, atm machines are fortified, their programming is set to the point that it hands out the exact amount requested, no room for errors.  Yet, when a human being seeks help, applies for a job or school, there is so much red tape and many problems arise which brings the person to frustration. How is it that money is so secure and dealings with it so protected, but a human person is not?  One can see where priorities are in society. When money trucks bring money to a cashier or bank, there are armed men who follow the money almost as if it were a president.  Why is this same protection not given to people on the streets? How can a piece of paper have more security than a living person?  It is time to wake up from this stupidity! We created money. We created economies. These are our constructs. They serve us.  We should not serve them!  Above all, we must serve only God. Money exists to serve us and keep a somewhat sense of order in society.

Unfortunately, we are stuck with it and why I and others must ask for donations in order to do our ministries.  e must do all we can to help one another, even via donations.  Remember, we cannot take our money with us in the afterlife. There are no atm machines in heaven, hell or purgatory. So why not donate to help the poor and ministries that promote the Gospel and teachings of the Church such as my own? We must not worry where our food or drink will come from. God will provide. We must not worry about where our clothing will come from.  God will provide.  The birds in the sky do not sow or reap, yet God cares for them. This was one of the verses that captured the mind and heart of St. Francis of Assisi. He fell in love with Sister Poverty!  Worrying in life gets us nowhere. It shows a lack of faith.  God will provide. Right now, I need to raise $35,000 to maintain and expand this ministry. However, I need $2,500 now to pay for the domain names etc by December 2017.  Now, I can sit and worry since I only get a $70 stipend from my superiors, or I can trust in God that He will inspire fellow Catholics to donate and help.  I choose the latter!  I see the birds in the air, I see the wild flowers who do not spin, but are "dressed" nicely and know that if God cares for those creatures, He will care for this ministry if it is His will. I will just do my part like St. Francis and become a little beggar, setting pride aside and realizing that I do not control life, God does.  We must also do the same in our life situation.  We must trust God, serve Him only!  If we have money, we must use it for our needs and the rest give it away or save it for others (Acts 20:35, Proverbs 19:17).  Money can corrupt.  It can make one feel powerful and is addictive.  This is why we must be detached from it.  When we are detached from money, it has no power over us.  This is why I do not save money.  I spend it on this ministry or donate it to a charity or pro-life cause after I bought whatever I needed, not wanted!  Let us serve the one master, God! Let us be detached from wealth and only seek our real treasure, Jesus!  May Jesus Christ be praised!



Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022617.cfm


Please help this ministry by donating via PayPal or Www.gofundme.com/Sacerdotus.  Your gift will help me continue this work and expand it.  Remember, we must serve God not mammon. Show this by donating to help serve Godby spreading His word.

You can also help by purchasing my books. My latest book, "Introduction to the Catholic Church" will truly benefit Catholics and others curious of the Catholic faith. You can purchase it in paperback for $12 or Kindle Ebook for $9.99.
see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2017/02/new-book-introduction-to-catholic.html













Here are some writings from holy writers: 


Now Jesus calls mammon here "a master," not because of its own nature but on account of the wretchedness of those who bow themselves beneath it. So also he calls the stomach a god, not from the dignity of such a mistress but from the wretchedness of those enslaved.
To have mammon for your master is already worse itself than any later punishment and enough retribution before the punishment for any one trapped in it. For what condemned criminals can be so wretched as those who, once having God for their Lord, do from that mild rule desert to this grievous obsession for money?
Even in this life such idolatry trails immense harm in its path, with losses unspeakable. Think of the lawsuits! The harassments, the strife and toil and blinding of the soul! More grievous, one falls away thereby from the highest blessing—to be God's servant.

— St. John Chrysostom(344 - 407)


Source: "The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 21.2," quoted in Manlio Simonetti, ed., Matthew 1–13, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 143–144.



Mammon—riches are so termed in Syriac. Let the covetous man who is called by the Christian name, hear this, that he cannot serve both Christ and riches. Yet he said not, he who has riches, but, he who is the servant of riches. For he who is the slave of money, guards his money as a slave; but he who has thrown off the yoke of his slavery, dispenses them as a master.
— St. Jerome(354 - 430)



Source: Quoted in Thomas Aquinas, Catena Aurea: Commentary on the Four Gospels, Collected out of the Works of the Fathers: St. Matthew, ed. John Henry Newman, vol. 1 (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1841), 248.



When he said that the one is to be sought first, Jesus clearly intimates that the other is to be sought later—not that it is to be sought at a later time but that it is to be sought as a thing of secondary importance. He showed that the one is to be sought as our good, that the other is to be sought as something needful for us, but that the needful is to be sought for the sake of the good.
— St. Augustine(354 - 430)



Source: "Sermon on the Mount, 2.16.53," quoted in Manlio Simonetti, ed., Matthew 1–13, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 145.





Saturday, February 25, 2017

Pope Gives Mercy to Abusive Priests

Pope Francis is under fire again after reports surfaced that he is getting lenient with pederast priests. According to several media outlets, the pope has reduced punished for pedophile priests in an attempt to impose his idea of mercy on them.  Survivors of sexual abuse and the pope's own advisers are questioning his views, according to the reports.

One priest named Mauro Inzoli had received clemency from the pope, but was convicted by an Italian court. He abused children as young as twelve.  The pope sentenced him to a life of prayer, took away his faculties and ordered him to stay away from children and get psychotherapy for five years.  However, an Italian court sentence him to four years in prison.

Pope Francis seems to want to keep priests convicted of sex abuse within control of the Church by not defrocking them. By not defrocking them, the Church will have control of these men as opposed to letting them out into society where no one is monitoring them.  There is much division on the topic, even among Catholics.   On one hand, people seek justice against priests who abused minors.  However, on the other hand, the Catholic Church has an obligation to preach and put the practice mercy.  The solution is not easy. How do we balance mercy with justice?  What do you think?



Source:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pope-quietly-trims-sanctions-for-paedophile-priests/article17369196.ece

http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/26/pope-francis-reversed-decisions-to-kick-paedophiles-out-of-the-priesthood-6473481/

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/pope-quietly-trims-sanctions-sex-abusers-seeking-mercy-45732198


Thursday, February 23, 2017

Pope: Atheists better than Hypocritical Catholics

Since the election of Pope Francis, the media has been taking his words out of context and fabricating all kinds of stories. They are at it again.  It is no wonder why President Trump says the media is the enemy of the people!  A week ago, the pope made some statements which the media twisted. Throughout the media world, headlines read, "Pope Francis says it is better to be an atheist than hypocritical Catholic!"  Immediately, Protestants, American Conservatives and Catholic "traditionalists" attacked the pope calling him a heretic and what not. However, if these people bothered to do research they would realize that they jumped to conclusions and slandered the pope. The pope did not say what the media said he said!  This is what he actually stated:


“But what is scandal? Scandal is saying one thing and doing another; it is a double life, a double life. A totally double life: ‘I am very Catholic, I always go to Mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I don’t pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money…’ A double life. And so many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others.
How many times have we heard – all of us, around the neighborhood and elsewhere – ‘but to be a Catholic like that, it’s better to be an atheist.’ It is that, scandal. You destroy. You beat down. And this happens every day, it’s enough to see the news on TV, or to read the papers. In the papers there are so many scandals, and there is also the great publicity of the scandals. And with the scandals there is destruction.”

As you can see, he is not saying that it is better to be atheist.  What he is saying is what others tell Catholics who are hypocritical. Context means everything!  The dishonest media once again twisted the Holy Father's words in order to create media frenzy. Please do not believe everything the media says regarding the pope and the Catholic Church.  Always vet the information and find original sources.  The media lies a lot!





Source:

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/02/23/pope_dont_put_off_conversion,_give_up_a_double_life/1294470

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pope-suggests-better-atheist-hypocritical-catholic-163550834.html

https://churchpop.com/2017/02/23/no-pope-francis-did-not-say-its-better-to-be-an-atheist-than-a-bad-catholic/

http://www.wnd.com/2017/02/pope-better-to-be-atheist-than-bad-believer/

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/23/world/pope-atheists-again/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/02/23/pope-francis-praises-the-torah-and-suggests-its-better-to-be-an-atheist-than-a-bad-catholic/?utm_term=.014dbb3d94aa

http://nypost.com/2017/02/23/pope-its-better-to-be-an-atheist-than-a-hypocritical-catholic/





Trump Removes Obama's Bathroom Policy

President Trump has rolled back Obama's policy allowing transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice on the federal level, leaving it up to States to decide what to do.  The policy had come under fire from parents and others worried that their children would be victims of abuse, rape or voyeurism.  Any boy can say he is a girl just to get access to the girl's locker room, bathroom and/or showers. This is dangerous indeed!  Attorney General Jeff Sessions agreed with Trump's decision citing that Obama did not make a sufficient legal case to allow such a policy.

Many are mentioning Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 which states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."  The problem with using this federal law is that the law mentions "sex," not gender.  Activists for gender theory argue that gender and sex are not the same things, therefore, this law is not applicable to those with gender dysphoria.  Hopefully, Trump's policy will remain intact. Many parents are concerned about this issue.




Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/trump-administration-rolls-back-protections-for-transgender-students/2017/02/22/550a83b4-f913-11e6-bf01-d47f8cf9b643_story.html?tid=sm_tw&utm_term=.1b19bd2bb68a

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-lgbt-idUSKBN161243

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39047883

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/22/516664633/trump-administration-rescinds-obama-rule-on-transgender-students-bathroom-use



Wednesday, February 22, 2017

NASA Announcement: 7 Earth-Like Planets in Trappist-1

NASA stated earlier in the week that it would make a big announcement on February 22nd. Well, the time has come. The announcement was not the discovery of extraterrestrials or anything of the like. It was involving exoplanets in the Trappist-1 system. Scientists using the telescope at ESO-La Silla, Chile were able to discover not one, but seven Earth-like planets. Most of the planets are nearly identical in size to Earth with one that is slightly larger. Three of them orbit in the habitable zone or "Goldilocks' Zone;" or the region in a solar system that allows for what we call life. Trappist-1 is a smaller star than our own Sun. Therefore, the conditions on the planets are near to that of Earth's. Since the star is small, the effect of its solar waves is not as a strong. Despite the planets orbiting it being close to this star, the effects are not hazardous.

For now, the planets are named Trappist 1b, c, d, e,f,g, and h. It is believed that the system formed about 500 million years ago. The planets orbit their star very closely compared to our own Solar System. Based on the data collected in regards to density, we can assume that these worlds are rocky just as the Earth. They also have water, which is believed to be a necessary factor for life in the universe. Astronomers were able to detect the planets via how they blocked the light from their star. With this information, they were able to tell the size of the planets and distance to their star. As to whether life exists on theses planets, we do not know. Nevertheless, it is possible that there may be life on these planets, possibly, bacteria lifeforms.

The discovery is awesome, however, we may never be able to step foot on these worlds anytime soon. These planets are trillions of light years away and would take nearly 4 million years to get there using our fastest rocket. If we could travel at the speed of light, it would take about 40 years to reach the planets. This goes to show how far they are from Earth. Nevertheless, the news is exciting. Perhaps we may find "Earth 2" out there or maybe worlds with lifeforms similar to human beings. In the meantime, all we can do is observe the skies and wonder what is out there.







Source:

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-telescope-reveals-largest-batch-of-earth-size-habitable-zone-planets-around

http://www.planetary.org/blogs/guest-blogs/2017/20170222-trappist-1-potentially-habitable-worlds.html

http://www.seeker.com/trappist-1-exoplanets-astronomy-alien-life-habitable-zone-star-system-2278551258.html?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=seekersocial

https://www.wsj.com/articles/seven-earth-size-worlds-discovered-orbiting-nearby-star-1487786401?tesla=y&mod=e2tw

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2017/feb/22/seven-earth-like-exoplanets-orbit-nearby-star

https://twitter.com/i/moments/834463221935382532


Monday, February 20, 2017

Milo Yiannopoulos Pro-Pedophilia?

Infamous provocateur and internet troll, Milo Yiannopoulous is in the news once again.  This time, he is in trouble for what it appears as an endorsement of pedophilia or more proper, hebephilia.  Pedophilia deals with attraction towards prepubescent children while hebephilia deals with an attraction towards kids 11 to 14 years of age.

Milo is scheduled to speak at an event called "CPAC" which is hosted by the American Conservative Union. However, this invitation is up in the air after comments Milo made on a podcast. He said,

“In the homosexual world, particularly, some of those relationships between younger boys and older men — the sort of ‘coming of age’ relationship — those relationships in which those older men help those young boys discover who they are and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable, sort of rock, where they can’t speak to their parents."

These comments have raised eyebrows and have offended many people. However, some die hard fans of Milo are still defending him. After the comments, a podcaster responds, "It sounds like molestation to me... It sounds like Catholic priest molestation to me." Then Milo responds,

"But you knwo what? I'm grateful for Father Michael. I wouldn't give nearly such good head if it wasn't for him." Milo was using a known euphemism for oral sex in the gay community.





Then on another podcast with Joe Rogan, Milo discussed his relationship with this "Father Michael" who he says molested him as a teenager. The dialog went as such:

Milo: So you're saying you've never seen a 15 yr old girl, at any point in your life, that you thought was hot?

Rogan: Yeah, when I was 15. I'm not retarded dude.

Milo: No, when you were 25 or 30, you've never seen girls you thought were hot?

Rogan: No, I thought they were little kids!

Then the discussion goes on and Rogan calls "Father Michael' a "terrible person." Milo says, "It wasn't molestation."




It seems Milo has hit rock bottom and the point of no return. I will not be surprised if his book and speaking engagements are cancelled, and he will be forced to resign from Breitbart. Only time will tell. The comments are disturbing indeed but show the reality of the LGBT and its fascination with child-adult relationships. Milo's comments are reminiscent of atheist Richard Dawins' comments when he spoke of the molestation he experienced as a child, see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2013/09/atheist-dawkins-pro-pedophilia.html.










Source:

http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/02/19/video-surfaces-of-milo-yiannopoulos-defending-pedophilia-acu-board-reportedly-not-consulted-on-cpac-invite/




Sunday, February 19, 2017

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Do Not Hate

Today's readings deal with being holy and loving one another, even enemies.

The first reading reminds us that we have to be holy. Holy like God is holy. This is a a big requirement. It shows that God wants us to be like Him.  Not like gods like Hercules, but a reflection of Him.  How do we do this?  The first reading tells us.  We have to avoid holding in hatred. I know we all have someone or some people we want to push down a flight of stairs, however, this is not the way to go! We must not keep hate in our hearts, even against people who hurt us.

A few days ago, Americans and others celebrated St. Valentine's day. On this day, some celebrate new love while others recall tainted love. I saw on the news a report on a new company that is profiting off of the latter. This company actually brings about revenge against former lovers. It is despicable and completely against what we are told in today's first reading. We cannot hate. Hate cannot be in a Christian's life. We can dislike people, but not hate them. Each person is different and behaves differently for a number of reasons. We may never know why a co-worker is a pain in the you know what, or why a relative is a jerk. We cannot perceive the introspection of others. In light of this, we must try to understand that each person is different and may have had bad experiences that molded him or her to be the way they are. Our job is to reflect Christ to them so that they can hopefully change that conditioning they received in life. Revenge is never the answer. We have to love each other and bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:13). Most human drama is just that, petty drama. There is no reason to hold hate in our hearts or grudges. Studies show that stress causes illness. It is a poison! Why hold stress, hate and grudges in our lives?  We are only hurting ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

We have to be merciful and kind because God is merciful and kind to us, as we are told in the responsorial Psalm. God is always with us. We must bless His name always.  He never forgets us or His promises.  God is quick to forgive our sins and errors in life.  All we have to do is go to confession and make a sincere resolve to change. We are God's temple, as the second reading tells us.  God dwells in us. Think about this for a moment. God, the God of the universe; of all that is seen and unseen makes His home in us.  If that does not speak of awesomeness, I do not know what does!  We must respect our bodies and the bodies of others. Our bodies and the bodies of others belong to God.

God works in mysterious ways. His ways may confuse us at times. His foolishness is wisdom to us. I laugh when I hear professors and scientists mock God. They in their arrogance think they know more than the designer. It is silly.  Yet, the more they dive into studying nature, they become dumbfounded. They think they know it all, but the a new discovery has them back at the drawing board, so to speak.  We must be humble. It is in humility that we receive God's wisdom. If we think ourselves as sages, then God will sit back and not give us wisdom. Our pride will lead to our falling face-first to the pavement, metaphorically speaking (Proverbs 16:18).  God owns all things. We must seek understanding only in Him.

Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we cannot resort to revenge. He repeats the words found in Exodus 21 regarding taking a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye. These were strict laws placed on primitive peoples in order to keep civilization going. In Judaism, this is the apoditic law.  The idea was common in ancient Mesopotamia and can be found in Hammurabi's Law Code. The Talmud presents this verse as a form of monetary compensation and not physical retaliation as in the case of how the Sadducees interpreted it.  In any event, this law is not imposed on Christians.  Christ taught a new way of carrying out this law. Instead of taking an "eye for an eye," whether in a Jewish tort case or in a physical manner as in the case of the Sadducee interpretation, Christ says to turn the other cheek and give your cloak if someone sues you for your tunic. This is a radical way of interpreting the law. Christ did this so as the remind the people (including us) that we are to be holy as God is holy. We cannot get caught up in laws and regulations as if Earth is our final destination.

This is why Pope Francis speaks of not being rigid. We must work on our souls. This means bearing things for the sake of God. We must "turn the other cheek" if someone strikes us. Now, this does not mean we cannot defend ourselves. We have a right to self-preservation.  In Jesus' time, the use of hands had a specific ritualistic meaning.  Striking someone on the cheek was a sign of asserting dominance and authority.  However, if the one being struck turned his or her cheek, this would be problematic because the left hand was used to purposes regarding unclean situations. The turning of the cheek was a sign of demanding equality.  Moreover, we must love our neighbor and enemy.  Many times, they can be the same!  How many times has a friend betrayed us? We must pray for them and our enemies, not hate or curse them.  The sun shines on all people, good and bad. God is just and treats everyone equally.  Taking an eye for an eye creates two blind people.  We must be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. This means to love one another and be merciful. Holding hate and grudges does no good to anyone. It will not change any situation for the better.  Let us love one another as we love ourselves and try our best to be holy and perfect as God is holy and perfect.  May Jesus Christ be praised!



Readings:  http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/021917.cfm


Please help this ministry by donating via PayPal or Www.gofundme.com/Sacerdotus.  Your gift will help me continue this work and expand it.

You can also help by purchasing my books. My latest book, "Introduction to the Catholic Church" will truly benefit Catholics and others curious of the Catholic faith. You can purchase it in paperback for $12 or Kindle Ebook for $9.99.
see: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2017/02/new-book-introduction-to-catholic.html













Here are some reflections on holy writers:

Beyond the tolerance of physical injury, the Lord wants us also to have contempt for things of this world and to be so far removed from every lawsuit or contest of judgment. If by chance a slanderer or tempter comes forward to initiate a lawsuit for the sake of testing our faith and desires to rob us of the things which are ours, the Lord orders us to offer willingly not only the things that the person goes after unjustly but even those not demanded.
— St. Chromatius
(360 - 407)


Source: “Tractate on Matthew, 25.2.1,” quoted in Manlio Simonetti, ed., Matthew 1–13, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 104. 



Just as Joseph lost his cloak in the hand of the prostitute and fled dressed with a better cloak, so throw your cloak into the hands of the slanderer and flee with the better covering of justice. If not, while you want to reclaim the clothes of the body, you may squander the most precious clothing of the soul. If the unbelievers see you, a Christian, repay injuries with worse injuries by worldly means and hammer earthly judgments against a lawless plunderer even to the destruction of your soul, how should they believe in reality of the hope of the heavenly kingdom that Christians preach? For they who hope for heavenly things easily spurn earthly things. Yet I doubt that those who strongly embrace worldly things believe firmly in heavenly promises.
— Anonymous
(c. 300)


Source: "Incomplete Work on Matthew, Homily 12,” quoted in Manlio Simonetti, ed., Matthew 1–13, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 



If we think that only this is all that is taught about almsgiving, then there are many poor to whom it cannot apply. And even the wealthy can give forever, if they are always giving. For the sake of goodness, therefore, this doctrine of almsgiving was given to the apostles: that they who have freely received should freely give. Money of that sort is never lacking. As much as is given, by that much it is increased, and though the fountain water drench the fields below, it never runs dry.
— St. Jerome
(347 - 420)


Source: “Commentary on Matthew, 1.5.42,” quoted in Manlio Simonetti, ed., Matthew 1–13, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001), 119.




 

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